Cameras are everywhere...
and everyone seems to be snapping photos and sharing them with others.
We think camera-equipped mobile phones present an opportunity to innovate in interfaith conversations.
In March 2020, we will hold a series of meetings that bring together members of the Burton Street Mosque and Boston Square Church for interfaith conversations using the photos they create, a technique called photovoice. And we hope you will consider participating in our project.
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What is Photovoice?
Photovoice combines amateur photography and group discussions to facilitate relationships, solidarity, and change in communities.
The project will unfold over several weeks with group of people who work together to identify, photograph, and discuss shared experiences, needs, and concerns.
The project will conclude with a public exhibition of a selection of the photographs created by the group. A reception will be held at the exhibition and participants will have the opportunity to tell the story behind their photographs to guests.
Upcoming Dates
3/1: Project Orientation
3/8, 3/15, 3/22: Interfaith Photovoice Conversations
3/29: Curation of photos for exhibition
All meetings are from 6 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.
Location: Burton Street Islamic Center (1301 Burton Street SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507) and Boston Square Church (1803 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507)
Sign Up Today!
Email one of our project leaders to participate!
Jay Blankespoor, Boston Square Church: ([email protected])
Allison Egrin, Kaufman Interfaith Institute ([email protected])
Aslam Modak, Burton Street Islamic Center: ([email protected])
Roman Williams, Interfaith Photovoice: ([email protected])
FAQ
Do I need to be a (good) photographer?
No, you don’t need to be a photographer. You just need to be willing to use a camera to tell your story. While our preference is for smartphone cameras, just about any digital camera will work.
What will we do?
Meeting 1: (March 1) Project Orientation. During our first session you will learn about photovoice, other participants, and this project.
Meetings 2-4: (March 8, 15, 22) Finding our V.O.I.C.E. The heart of photovoice involves discussions of participants’ photographs in which they learn to think about their social, cultural, and religious context. Each meeting we will use your photos in conversation with other participants. Together, you will build relationships and explore your community through the eyes of people with religious backgrounds that are different from your own. Our aim is found in the acronym V.O.I.C.E.: Voicing Our Individual and Collective Experiences.
Meeting 5: (March 29) Selecting and Preparing Photos for Presentation/Reception We will work together to select the photographs that best reflect the insights, challenges, and opportunities identified by participants. Each person will select the 2-3 photographs, and create titles/ captions for each one. These photos will be enlarged, framed, and prepared for public viewing.
Meeting 6: (Date TBA) Opening Night Reception followed by a Month-Long Exhibition The photovoice project will culminate in an exhibition with an opening night in which participants have the opportunity to discuss their work with invited guests and the public.
How much does it cost?
There is no cost to participate in the project. This project is sponsored by the Kaufman Interfaith Institute at Grand Valley State University. All we’re asking is that you will invest a few hours of your time to meet with others, build relationships, and tell the story of your community. Members of the Burton Street Islamic Center and Boston Square Church will coordinate and provide meals for each photovoice meeting. Participants may volunteer to support the project in this way.
Who should I contact for more information or to volunteer as a participant?
Jay Blankespoor, Boston Square Church: [email protected]
Allison Egrin, Kaufman Interfaith Institute ([email protected])
Aslam Modak, Burton Street Islamic Center: [email protected]
Roman Williams, Interfaith Photovoice: [email protected]